Lettuce

All lettuce varieties are members of the species Lactuca sativa.

Germination
Lettuce seeds should be planted very shallowly in full sun or afternoon shade. Seeds germinate at soil temperatures of 60-70° F. Allow 10 days for germination. Thin to 4-8".

Pollination
Lettuce self-pollinates, with some chance of cross-pollination from bees. Risk of cross-breeding is very limited, but it is recommended to separate varieties by 12-15'.

Seed Collection
       Some outer leaves may be eaten while waiting for your seed to grow. With head lettuce, it may be necessary to cut open the top of the head to allow the seed stalk to push through. Alternatively, giving it a good slap on the top can cause the leaves to separate without damaging the seed stalk. Your lettuce seeds will not all mature simultaniously. As your seeds ripen, you may shake your seed heads over a paper bag daily and store indoors. Your lettuce should finish producing seeds 24 days after flowering.